The Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that Abdulrasheed Maina was released four years early due to statutory remissions for good behavior and time served since his 2019 arrest.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has defended the February 2025 release of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former pension reform boss convicted of N2 billion money laundering. Officials clarified that Maina’s eight-year sentence legally commenced from his 2019 arrest. Under prison standing orders, he earned statutory remission for demonstrating “good conduct and industry” while in custody.
“Maina qualified for such remission under the extant rules, resulting in an Earliest Date of Release of 25 February 2025,” stated PRO JN Osuji. The service maintained that the process was strictly lawful, denying any “preferential considerations.” Despite his early release, Maina remains a controversial figure, recently drawing public ire after receiving a “Rule of Law” award.